Hoyer's housecleaning hits director of scouting

Jed Hoyer's first order of business as Padres general manager appears to be overhauling the scouting and player development end of the operation.

Bill Gayton, the Padres' director of scouting since the end of the 2000 season, yesterday was reassigned to be a special assistant with the team.

The move followed by a day the dismissal of Grady Fuson as vice president for scouting and player development and leaves the top two positions open in scouting and player development.

Gayton, 48, led the scouting department for nine amateur drafts.

Of the 17 players the Padres have taken with first-round picks since 2001, shortstop Khalil Greene became the only position player to become a regular with the Padres and one of five to make the major leagues.

But Gayton's recent drafts have produced the likes of pitchers Mat Latos and Wade LeBlanc; outfielders Chase Headley, Will Venable and Kyle Blanks and catcher Nick Hundley.

The most notable failure linked to Gayton was the 2004 pick of Mission Bay High infielder Matt Bush with the first overall pick in the draft. But Gayton favored using the pick to select shortstop Stephen Drew or pitcher Jared Weaver only to be over-ruled by club owner John Moores for financial reasons.

A scout since 1984, Gayton joined the Padres after spending five seasons with Colorado, the last three as the Rockies' national crosschecker.

Around the majors

•Brad Mills
is the new manager of the Houston Astros. The 52-year-old Mills has been
Terry Francona's
bench coach in Boston for the past six seasons. He'll manage in the majors for the first time, though he's managed a total of 11 seasons in the minors.

•Scott Sizemore,
the Tigers' Minor League Player of the Year in 2009, has undergone surgery on his fractured left ankle.

•The Blue Jays are taking the interim tag off
Paul Beeston's
title. He was appointed president and CEO of the club.

•Outfielder
Gabe Kapler
has re-signed with the Tampa Bay Rays.

•The Nationals have made two more additions to their rebuilt front office, hiring
Kasey McKeon
as director of player procurement and
Jay Robertson
as special assistant to the general manager.

•The sale of the Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field and other assets from the Tribune Co. to the Ricketts family is complete.